HONOLULU — For the first time in its history, Hawaii Pacific University will expand outside of the state with a new campus in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to a HPU news release. The campus will welcome students in Aug. 2024.
HPU received the Nevada state license for its innovative Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in Aug. 2023. Both doctoral programs can be completed in 24 months and are delivered in a hybrid format, allowing students to live anywhere in the country and attend lab immersions at the HPU Las Vegas campus.
“HPU is proud to announce this groundbreaking expansion beyond the Hawaiian Islands with the launch of our Las Vegas campus. It’s a testament to our nimble approach and commitment to innovation and our mission and values of aloha, pono and kuleana,” said HPU President John Gotanda in the release.
“We appreciate the important ties and relationships we share with our ohana in Las Vegas. This historic venture reflects our dedication to strengthening these connections. We’re eager to welcome our inaugural class in August 2024 and embark on this journey together to becoming a global university,” said Gotanda.
A dedicated HPU faculty and staff are onsite at the new campus located in southwestern Las Vegas, 20 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport. It has ample parking and sits adjacent to retail, hotel and dining establishments.
HPU OTD Program Director Robyn Otty has a tenure of over 20 years in Las Vegas. She said Nevada is the “highest-paid state in the U.S. for OTD professionals” with career opportunities awaiting graduates after graduation.
Located on the Las Vegas campus, HPU’s new Graduate College of Health Sciences is home to the university’s new health care programs. It includes hybrid, accelerated DPT and OTD programs located at HPU’s main Honolulu campus at Waterfront Plaza, as well as a hybrid Physician Assistant Program that’s set to launch in 2025 in Honolulu.
“HPU’s expansion to Las Vegas marks an exciting step in addressing the critical need for skilled health care professionals, particularly in the occupational and physical therapy professions,” said HPU Dean of the Graduate College of Health Sciences Tricia Catalino, D.Sc. “HPU’s presence in Las Vegas places us at the forefront of hybrid doctoral programs that will educate future health care professionals across the state. Our innovative approach to health care education will facilitate mentorship, comprehensive training, and valuable field work and clinical education opportunities.
“These unique offerings are meticulously designed to equip students with the necessary skills and expertise to become exceptionally qualified health care practitioners. HPU is set to make an even greater impact on the health care landscape, enhancing the quality of health care and contributing to the wellbeing of communities, not only in Las Vegas, but throughout the nation,” said Catalino.
The HPU OTD program in Las Vegas is currently accepting applications for its inaugural cohort with classes to begin in Aug. 2024. More information is available on the HPU website.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
